Rising football starlet Madison Gray is the latest beneficiary of the Benalla Young Sportspersons Trust.
Having earned a spot in the initial 2022 Victoria Country under-18 girls squad, the trust awarded Gray $200 on Monday to remunerate travel costs for her recent trip to Melbourne, attending the NAB League testing event where her athletic ability was measured.
The 17-year-old spent the 2021 season with split duties, playing for the Murray Bushrangers and Shepparton Swans Youth Girls’ sides and has shown real promise within the oval-ball game.
Karen Edwards, a trustee of the BYSPT, said the donation was a recognition of Gray’s talent and an investment in her future.
“Hopefully Madison will earn at spot in the Victoria Country squad and be able play well in front of the scouts so she can gain a spot on an AFLW list,” Edwards said.
“Madison turns 18 next year, so 2022 will be a big year for her.”
Benalla Rural City Council Mayor Bernie Hearne was also in attendance at Gray’s presentation, to represent the council having awarded the trust $2000 via community grants throughout 2021.
Grants, such as the ones donated by council, allow the trust to continue to operate.
Established in 1992, the Benalla Young Sportspersons Trust was set up to assist emerging athletes in the region scale heights within their chosen sporting realms.
But while it has flourished for many years, the COVID-19 era has restricted the trusts’ ability to hand out grants, according to Edwards.
“Usually the BYSPT hands out grants — which range anywhere from $200 to 1000 — to about 20 athletes each year, but unfortunately COVID-19 has put a bit of a stop to it this year,” Edwards said.
But in spite of a tough couple of years, Edwards said the trust was determined not to slow down its mission of supporting the town’s up and coming young sports stars.
“We are always looking for people to hand out grants to; we are happy to support the young talented athletes of Benalla.”